The Times Higher Education report lists the best universities in Sub-Saharan Africa. This ranking aims to highlight African higher education institutions and address local challenges in this area. The top five consist of universities from South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. While South Africa has the most institutions in the top 10 (four), Nigeria is the most represented nation overall, with 37 institutions ranked.
Evaluation criteria for the best African Universities
The ranking includes 88 institutions from 20 countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Mauritius, Kenya, and Mozambique. The ranking was established using a hybrid methodology covering teaching elements impact, and research. The methodology is based on five key pillars:
- Teaching quality
- Resources and funding
- Student engagement
- Access and equity
- Impact on Africa
1 – University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
The University of the Witwatersrand, traditionally called « Wits » is in Johannesburg, South Africa. The university has five faculties encompassing science, commerce, law and management, engineering, health sciences, and humanities. Notable alumni include Nelson Mandela, who studied law there and became President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 1993.
2 – University of Johannesburg, South Africa
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is the second South African university in the top 10. The university comprises four distinct campuses, each with its history and identity. UJ has eight faculties: business and economics; art, design, and architecture; education; engineering and the built environment; health sciences; humanities; law; and science. It also includes the Johannesburg Business School.
3 – Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences is a public university located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This university focuses on education and research in medicine and public health. The university has two campuses, one in West Upanga in the coastal city of Dar es Salaam and the other 31 km west of Muhimbili Hospital, which has a 571-bed university hospital.
4 – University of Pretoria, South Africa
The University of Pretoria was founded in 1908 with only 32 students and four professors. It has since grown to become one of the largest research universities in South Africa. The university has nine faculties covering economics and management sciences, education, engineering, the built environment and information technology, health sciences, humanities, law, natural and agricultural sciences, theology and religion, and veterinary sciences. The university also includes the Gordon Institute of Business.
5 – Makerere University, Uganda
Makerere University, established in 1922, is Uganda’s oldest university. Initially, it was a technical school offering courses in carpentry, building, and mechanics. It has since expanded to offer courses in agricultural sciences, business and management sciences, computer and information sciences, education, engineering, design, health sciences, humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, and law. The university is spread across three campuses in the country’s capital, Kampala.
6 – University of the Western Cape, South Africa
Founded in 1959 as the University College of the University of South Africa, the University of the Western Cape became an autonomous university in 1984. An autonomous institution, it receives state financial support.
7 – Covenant University, Nigeria
Covenant University in Nigeria is a private higher education institution located in Ota, Ogun State. The university was founded in 2002 and is affiliated with the Living Faith Church Worldwide. It is accredited by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), ensuring the recognition of its degrees nationally and internationally.
8 – ISBAT University, Uganda
ISBAT University in Uganda is a higher education institution located in Kampala, the capital city. ISBAT University was founded with a mission to provide quality education in various fields of study, emphasizing information technology, business, and management, along with other relevant disciplines. ISBAT University partners with other academic institutions and international organizations, offering students additional opportunities such as joint programs.
9 – UGHE – University of Global Health Equity, Rwanda
The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is a higher education institution located in Rwanda, founded in 2015. UGHE was created to train future leaders in global health, focusing on health equity and sustainable development. The university aims to improve healthcare and reduce health inequalities worldwide by training competent and committed professionals.
10 – Ashesi University, Ghana
Ashesi University is a private higher education institution located in Berekuso, Ghana. Founded in 2002 by Patrick Awuah, a former Microsoft employee, the university has quickly distinguished itself for its commitment to quality education and its impact on the economic and social development of Ghana and Africa. Ashesi University is dedicated to training ethical and competent leaders to contribute to Africa’s sustainable development. The university emphasizes academic rigor, personal integrity, leadership, and innovation.
